[Lisa Upton | SBS]

The often confusing virtual currency Bitcoin has hit a new record high after smashing through the US$8000 dollar level for the first time.

It marks an almost 50 per cent climb in just eight days, but many skeptics are calling it a bubble waiting to pop.

Pole dancing instructor Dee Heath is riding the surge with her fitness business in western Sydney.

She has spent $5,800 on Bitcoin since July and has more than tripled her investment.

“Look, I love pole dancing but lately my passion has definitely been Bitcoin,” she told SBS News.